Flaw detecting method



Jan. 22, 1946,

B. A. ANDALIKIEWICZ FLAW DETECTING METHOD Filed Oct. 23. 1942 7 Sheets-Shet l CONDE/1451595 IN V EN TOR.

TeHlY FOAMEE 54 Mas Tse L/qHr Jan. Z2, 1.946. B. A. ANDALlKlEwlcz 2,393,225

FLAWDETECTING METHOD Filed Oct. 23', 1942 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 www @A J n B. A. ANDALlKlEwIcz FLAW DETEGTING METHOD Filed oct; 2s. 1942 Jan. 22, 1946.

'T Sheets-Sheet 5 IN V EN TOR.

BY l fr" from/Ey.

Jan. 22, 1946. B. A. ANDALlKlEwlcz FLAw DETECTI'NG MEN-lon Filed Oct. 25. 1942 7 She-ets-Sheet 4 IN V EN TUR.

Ha/ey A. nda//k/ew/cz. BY .6)

a ATTO/i EK,

Jn, Z2, 1946. B. A. ANDALIKIEWICZ 2,393,225

. FLAW DETECTING METHOD i I l Filedoct. 2s, 1942 7 sheets-sheet 5 Jan. 22,1946. B. A. ANDALIKIEWICZ' 2,393,225

` I FLAw DETECTING METHOD Filed Oct. 23, 1942 YISheetS-Sheet 6 V AIN VEN TOR.

B. A. ANDALzKaEWlcz 2,393,225

FLAW DETECTING METHOD Jain. 22, 1946.

Filed Oct. 25, 1942 7 Sheets-Sheet '7 fa fr@ ,eA/EH greater amplitude of vibration.

Patented Jan. 22,1946

, FLAW DETECTING METHOD Boley A. Andalikiewicz, Kansas City, Mo., as-

signor to C. E. Hovey,

trustee, Kansas City,

Application October 23, 1942, Serial No. 463,103

Claims.

This invention 'has for-its principal aim the provision of a method-for selecting standard articles from a group of articles by means of discrimlnating between the sounds produced by' the articles when theyare vibrated.

It is known thatdefective metallic articles having flaws therein may be differentiated from flawless articles by the method of causing said articles to be set in vibration bystriking with a hammer and then detecting the diiierence of the pitch of the sound `given oif by the respective articles. For example, a railroad whel having a flaw therein will, when struck with a hammer, produce a different-ring than one having no flaw.' If the flaw is of suilicient magnitude, an appreciable difference in pitch will result and this will enable the listener'to detect the wheel having a flaw therein.

It is known that the frequency of the vibration of any given article is determined by the structural properties of,v that article. Thus, it is understood thaty articles having uniform structural ticle by means other than projecting the same upon an anvil. In some cases projecting the article upon an anvil might result in damage to the article, and therefore, for this and other reasons, a method and apparatus for simulating free vibration in an article have., been devised as are herein disclosed. Basically this method comprises placing an article having magnetic. properties within'an oscillating electro-magnetic field t having a frequency of oscillation corresponding properties will produce sounds of the same aptherefore, improved methods and apparatus are required in order that these small differences may be detected. 'I'he instant invention makes use of the fact that an article which has been set in free vibration will give forth vibrations lying within a comparatively narrow range of frequencies, and further, that said free vibration will produce a e One method of obtaining free vibration as` disclosed herein, is to project the articles being tested upon an anvil where they are allowed to rebound therefrom and vibrate freely in the air. When this procedure is followed, it is observed that a greater degree of discrimination between articles of the same kind having slight differences can be obtained. Thus, a very minute crack in anobject produces a measurable shift ln the frequency of vibration of said object when the object isset in vibration by projecting the same against an anvil instead of striking it with a hammer. Where the article is struck -by the hammer. it is necessary that means be employed to hold .the article in a position where it may be struck and these meansl willreetrain the vibration of the article and affect to the frequency of free vibration ofthe article being tested.l The article is then supported by knife edges, or other means, at its nodal points and the excitation of the article by the magnetic field will result in a mode of vibration corresponding to the free vibration as aforesaid, and since the article is supported at its nodal points, the vibratory characteristics will not be influenced to an undesirable degree.

In the case of non-magnetic materials, these materials can be excited by an oscillating electrostaticeld having the same frequency of oscillation as' the articles being tested when the articles are supported as aforesaid.

` This invention further contemplates distinguishing between the properties of similar articles by means of measuring thedifference in amplif -tude of vibration as well-as the frequency. For

example, an object having material separation flaws therein, will not only produce a frequency diii'erent from that of the standard article, but

will, as well, in most instances, produce a vibration of smaller magnitude. The degree of dierence is determined by the relative sire of the defect,Y

however, this manifestation is readily measurable in nearly every instance and provides an accurate means 'of distinguishing between standard and non-standard articles.

It has also beendiscovered that the difference y degree of force than that employed to project the cracked article. The advantage of this discovery,

is utilized herein by means of an electronic apparatus which limits the amplitude of an impulse reaching a detector to` a definite specified value.A

In the case of a standard article, this impulse will always be at a maximum and in the case of a non-standard or defective article, this impulse will be relatively smaller than the maximum irnpulse. passed by the limiter to thedetector. In this manner, apparatus for projecting the articles with equal force against an anvil is not required in the great majority of cases because ofthe relative diierencein magnitude of vibration as aforesaid.

Another part of this invention contemplates the utilization of more than one naturalfrequency of vibration given oft by certain types of articles. It has been discovered that many articles will, when set in vibration, give off a series of more than one vibratory frequency. This is particularly true of articles having irregular shapes and portions thereof, which differ in measurement from other parts of the article. Thus, an article when struck may produce a number of frequencies not harmonically related as well as a number` of harmonics related to the different respective frequencies'produced. The advantage of this principle is taken in testing articles by means of checking either separately or simultaneously, a serles'of more than one frequency. In many cases, articles having i-laws will produce a frequency of vibration the same as that produced by a standard article but it has been discovered that other frequencies produced by the non-standard article Will be at variance with that produced by the standard article.

` The method herein disclosed lends itself equally well to detecting diierences in similar nonmetallic articles such as plastics, etc., as well as metallic articles having either magnetic or nonmagnetic characteristics.

Further, this invention contemplates the application of its teachings to determining the existence of differences between similar articles, which is primarily occasioned by the i'act that such articles are composites made of several pieces which are fastened together. The degree of fastening, or of relative fit, in the case of articles made up of several pieces-may be easily determinedbypineans of the method and apparatus hereindislclosed.

It is a further aim of this invention to provide a method of discriminating between similar articles having relatively'small dimensional dii erences.,l Thus, if the article being tested has dimensions appreoiably different from those of, a standard article, the same may be readily detected by examining the vibratory properties of therar'ticle being tested. This portion ofthe invention also contemplates the yuse 'of the device shown forv sorting articles such as bolts, screws,

Figs. 3a, 3b, 3c, 4 and 5 illustrate awiring diagram of applicants entire electronic apparatus.

Fig.,6 is a perspective view of the apparatus for simulating, by electrical means,vfree vibration; a portion of the shield housing being broken away to disclose the coil and associatedV elements.

Fig. '7 is a perspective view of a number of types of articles with which the method and apparatus are used. i

Fig. 8 is a front elevational view of the electronic apparatus, and a dropping means for profjecting articles to be tested with equal force against the anvil. A portion of this dropping means is broken away to 'reveal the interior thereof. l

Fig. 9 is a cross sectionalview of the dropping means taken on line DI-IX of Fig. 8; and

, Fig. 10 is a front elevational view of the microphone with the dotted lines showing the disposition of the crystal microphone element therein.

The comercial' form of applicants invention embodies the circuit i2 mounted on` chassis lli which is placed within a cabinet I6.

On the chassis is mounted microphone I1, preamplifier tube l8, amplifier and limiter tube 2li, detector units 22 and 24, relay amplifier tubes 258 and 292, relay operating tubes 212 and 301i, relays E38 and 32, and lights 34 and 36. Also mounted on the upper side of the chassis are transformer 38, rectier 40, choke 42, lllter condensers M and 46, and voltage regulator tubes 48 and 58.

A panel 52 is secured to chassis I4 and supports thereon lights 34 and 36, master light 5t and line voltmeter 56.

An opening 58 is placed near the center of the panel directly in front of microphone' Il. An anvil lill is placed in the vicinity of opening 5B whereby sounds may reach microphone l1.

At the rear of chassis I4 near the center thereof, is positioned a line receptacle 62. An external fuse mount 64 is to the right of the receptacle 62.

The circuit as shown in Fig. 3a incorporates a conventional pre-amplier tube i8 and associated circuit components. A piezo-electric crystal 'unit 66 is arranged to feed an input voltage onto grid l 68 of tube I8. A grid biasing resistor 12 is placed across the crystal to conduct current from the grid 68 to the negative return lead 10.

Tube is is preferably of -the'high-gain pentode variety having a suppressor andv cathode 14 and 16 respectively, which are returned to negative lead 'I8 through cathode resistor 'l1 which is bypassed by condenser 18. Screen has its voltage supplied through resistor 82 which is by-passed by condenser 84 to lead 10' and is connected to positive lead 88. Positive lead 88 has a normal potential of about 300volts and plate 88`is connected to positive 1ead86 through plate resistor 90. 'Ihe shield lead 92 is connectedto negative lead 10. Filament current is supplied filament -84 through wiresXX'which are attached to corcorporating therein two triode sections |80 and |02' respectively. Section |00 serves to further amplify the output of crystal microphone 66. Condenser 96 is coupled across gridl resistor Imi and into grid |06 of section |00. Plate IDB is connected to positive lead 88 through plate rey Figs. 1 and 4).

tion connected between resistors ||4 and |'|4.

Resistor 4 serves as a negative return path to lead 14 and resistor ||4 is connected to grid |24v and serves to suppress spurious input voltages.

Cathode |22 of tube'24 and 441s common to` both sections |45 and|42 and is connected directly to negative lead 14. Plate |24 of section |42 is connected by means of plate resistor |24 by-pass condenser |44 is connected between the two resistors and negative lead 14.

and |44.

condensers |44 and |44 are connected to jacks |44 and |42 respectively, as-shown inFig.'3b.

These jacks |42 and |44 serve to connect the inf put plugs |44 of the detector units with the output of the limiter section |42. It is to be noted thatdetectors 22 and 24 are equipped with a total of six connectingplugs |44, |44, |44, |54, |52 and |54, on the bottom of each unit respectively (see 'Ihese detector units lemploy identical components'and circuits-their differ` ence being that each is tuned to a separate frequency. These units are constructed so that they may be plugged into jacks-|54, |54, |1|, |14, |12, |42, and |44, |42, 444,144, |44 and |44. I'hese jacks are mounted in a polarized arrangement on chassis I4. This arrangement permits easy and quick interchange of the units when it is the grid of tube |44. lThe remaining terminals of condensers 224, 244 and 242 are connected to the grid oftube |44 between resistors 22,2 and 224 and between resistors 224 and 224 respectively. Thus, the .output of the network 244 is coup led into the grid circuit of tube |44. e

' and isolating resistor m to positive lead as. A

The lilltplltk of section |42 is coupled through output condenser |42 which in turn is coupled into an output resistor`|44 and into detector input condensers |44 Negative return lead 14 and positive return lead 44 are connected to pins |44 and |54 respectively. The filament leads marked XX are connected through pins` |54 and |52 to illament taps XX oi' transformer 44. comprised ofk plate 244, which is connected to positive lead 44 through isolating resistance 244 and plate resistance'244. Isolating resistance 244 further serves to limit the energy output of tube 244 and is by-passed by condenser 244 which is connected` tonegative lead 14. Plate 244 is connected to output condenser 242. Condenser 242 is connected to plug |44 which serves to connect desired to testobiects having aideront rrequeni cies.

Fig. 4 illustrates the circuit common to each of the detectors 22 and 24. As aforesaid, connections of these units with the other parts of the circuit are made through the jacks and plugs which are grouped iny two separate sets |14 and |14 respectively. The drawings clearly illustrate the relative positioning of thecorresponding jacks employed in order to` make connection between the detector units 22 and 24 and the other parts of the circuit. Input plug- |44 is connected to arid |14 of detector tube |44. Grid |14 is returned to negative lead 14 through resistor |42. Supressor |44 is connected to negative lead 14. Screen |44 is connected to positive lead 44 through resistor |44 and is by-passed to lead 14 through condenser |44. Cathode |42 is connected to negative lead 14 through biasing resistor |44. Plate |44 is connected to positivelead 44 through plate resistor |4|. The output of the plate circuit is coupled by means of condenser |44 to grid |44 of feed back tube'244. A grid to ground return is provided by means of grid resistor 242 which is connected to negative lead 14. Suppressor 244 and screen 244 are connected to plate 244 whereby tube 244 will function as a triode.

Cathode 2|4 is connected to negative lead 14 through potentiometer 2|2. This potentiometer 2|2 is shunted by resistor 2|4 which serves to limit the current carried by potentiometer 2|2.

Arm 2|4 of potentiometer 2|2 is connected by means of condenser 2 I4 to phase shifting network 224. This network is a three mesh circuit which is comprised of resistors 222, 224, 224 and variable condensers 224, 244 and 242. These variable condensers have one of their terminals connected together and all are terminated in connection with vthe relay amplifier tube 24.

From `a consideration of this circuit, it is apparent that an input into tube |44 will result in an input into the grid circuit of tube 244. This input will be reflected in the current through potentiometer 2|2. By adjusting potentiometer 2|2, a voltage may be obtained therefrom which, when coupled back through the phase shifting network 224, will produce oscillation in the circuit.

It is vto be noted that potentiometer 2|2 may be adjusted to such degree that the circuit may be spoken of as being on the verge of oscillation. At this point of operation, if a current having a frequency that will result in its being shifted 180 by network 224 is passed through said network, the circuit will oscillate. As long as the external current is permitted to flow into the input of tube |44, the circuit will continue oscillation but will stop when the current is removed. This circuit is very selective at audio frequencies, and the frequency of response of each detector unit 22 and 24 may be changed by adjusting the capacity of variable condensers 224, 244 and 242. Changing the capacity of these condensers will result in changing the characteristics of the networkV whereby said network will produce the necessary 180 phase shift for the particular frequency to which it is thus tuned.

It is to be noted that as aforesaid, both units are identical excerpt that the values of their components are slightly changed so thateach unit will be responsive to a diii'erent frequency. A change in frequency may be obtained by varying condensers 224, 244 and 242. The output of limiter section |42 will contain -the various frequencies introduced into the circuit by micronegative lead 14. Resistors 222, 224 and224 are phone 54. Each frequency will serve to operate its own respective detector unit. The operation of either of the units will serve to energize their respective relay sections 254 and 242. Jacks |44 and |12 are connected to positive lead 45 and jacks |54 and |44 are connected tol negative lead 14. The lament taps XX `of transformer 44 are connected to the two sets of jacks 14, 1| and |44, |44 respectively.

-of terminal |42 to input condenser 244 of tube 254. A portion of the output of said unit also appears across resistor 252, which is connected to negative lead 14. Grid 254 of tube 254 has connected thereto a biasing resistor 254 which is connected to return lead 254. Return lead 254 is connected to one terminal of the primary of transformer 44.

Plate voltage for tube 254 is obtained through l lead 280, which is connected to the other primary terminal of transformer 38.A Thus, inspection of the circuit reveals that leads 280 and 288 are supplied with the same AC current that is used to supply transformer 38.

Plate 262 is connected through potentiometer 286 to lead 288. Condenser 288 shunts resistor 284 and serves to store up energy and thereby smooth out the plate current. Arm 288 couples energy to tube 212 and enables the application of a variable biasing voltage to grid 218 of tube 212 as operating conditions may necessitate. Cathode 214 of tube 252 is connected to return lead 258.

Suppressor 218 of shield 218 of tube 212 is connected to return lead 258. Plate 280 is connected through relay 282 to return lead 258, which serves to supply the plate voltagefor tube 212. Relay 282 is shunted by condenser 284 which serves tol suppress relay chatter. Cathode 285 is connected to lead 262.

The output of detector 22 is connected through .plug |58 to load resistor 281 which is teted to negative lead 18. A portion of the output of the detector unit 22 is coupled through condenser 288 into the grid 28@ of amplier tube 282. The grid 290 has a conventional biasing resistor 284 which is connected to return lead 282.

Cathode 298 is connected to return lead 258. Plate 298 is connected through potentiometer 208 to lead 288. Potentiometer 380 is 'shunted by condenser 302.

Arm 304 is connected with grid 308 of relay tube 308 whereby grid 386 is supplied-with a predetermined biasing voltage and a signal input current wherein a signal is present. Suppressor 3|0, shield 3l2, and, cathode 3I4.are 'connected to return lead 258. Plate @i8 is connectedl through relay 3I8 to `return lead 258." `Relayll iashunted by condenser 822, which prevents relay chatter.

The control contacts of relays relays are pulled in, due to'the action of the detector on the relay portion of the circuit, that each relay 3l8 and 282 will cause a separate light on the panel of the instrument to burn. Further,

will be illuminated. To absorb the sparking at the relay contacts 328, 334, 380 and 342, condensers 344 and 348 are placed across these sets of contacts respectively.

Positive lead 88 and negative lead 10 are connected to the output of power supply 348. Power supply 388 is connected to a power source through. a double pole single-throw switch 250. Switch 358 is connected through fuse 352 and cholres BSL-356. Power transformer 38 has thereon three secondary windings: the lament winding XX is connected with the various tubes as aforesaid; `the outside terminals of the high voltage secondary 358 are connected to plates 388 and 382 of rectifier 364; and the iilament of rectier 384 is connected to' the outside terminals oi filament winding 366 of transformer 38. The output of the rectifier is coupled through a oonventional brute force lter 368. This is done by connecting the center tap 310 of filament winding 288 to the input condenser 312 and the cholre t2. The other terminal of condenser 312 is connected to the center tap 359 of the high voltage Winding 852; and this center tap 358 is in turn connected with negative lead 10 to which is connected the one terminal of condenser 314. Condenser 314 is also connected to the output of choke 42. A bleeder resistance 316 is connected across condenser 314. The output of the power supply is connected through resistance 318 to the plate 38! of voltage regulator tube 380. The cathode 382 of tube 380 is connected to plate 384 of voltage regulator tube 388. The cathodel 388 of said tube is connected to negative lead 1li-thus, it will be seen that tubes 384 and 288 are connected in series. These tubes are voltage regulator tubes of the gaseous conduction type and have the property of decreasing their re- :sa and als .are wired together in such manner that when said f when both detector sections are caused to operate at the same time, and relays 282 and 318 are both put of the secondary windings of transformer responsive thereto, the master light 34`will become illuminated.

This relay circuit is arranged in the following manner: The current source for the illumination of the bulbs is taken from the -line voltage and leads 238 and 322 serve to make connection therewith. Line 322 is connected to terminal 323 of relay 282. When the relay is closed, terminal 324 will be connected with line 330. Line 322 is also connected to terminal 328, which, when the relay is closed, is connected to. contact 334. Contact 334 is connected through bulb 34 to return lead burn.

Line 338 is also connected to contact 338. Contact 336, when the relay is'closed,y forms a connection with contact 338, which is connected te master light 54.

Thus, when remy zszjis nosed. bulb s4 win.

This connection serves tocomplete the circuit to' returnlead 23h-thus, when both relays are down,master. bulb 34 will beilluminated.

Lead'322 is connected to contact 340 and this contact will be connected with contact 342 when the relay is depressed. Contact 342 is connected to return 258 through lamp A38-thus, it can be seen that when relay 3l8 is depressed, lamp 38 ol? the potentiometer 396. adjusted so that it will indicate a predetermined' sistance as an increased voltage is applied thereto, or of increasing their resistance as a decreased voltage is applied thereto. By this manner of operation they serve to stabilize the out-v put of the power supply and the voltage will remain relatively constant across positive lead 88 and negative lead 10. Positive lead 'is connected to the plate of voltage regulator tube 388 f and is by-passed by filter condenser 390.

A variable resistor 394 is connected in series with primary 392 of transformer 88. This resistance may be varied to control the voltage out- 38. vDue to the iniluence of the voltage regulator tubea-Variation of resistance I394 will not affect the output of the B supply but variation of this resistance enables the operator to adjust the lament voltages to the proper point of operation.l

Ink order that the apparatus will operate stably,

it is necessary that all of the voltages befheld voltmeter. The other terminal of the voltmeter 40| is connected to one of the remaining sides I'he voitmeter is then reading when variable resistance 394 is positioned whereby the proper filament voltage is ap- 'plied to the tubes in the circuit.

' It is to be noted with reference to, circuit l2, that many of-the portions thereof are conventional in character and therefore, the respective 4values of many of the components can be easily ldetermined by those skilled in the art, hence,

phone 66 will cause an alternating'voltage to appear upon the control grid 68 of tube i8. This variation will in turn produce a change in the plate current. of tube I8. This change in plate current will produce a varia-tion in voltage drop across plate resistors 90.V 'I'his variation will be reflected in a changing voltage existing across plate condensers 96. The output of condenser 90 will alter the grid voltage on grid |06 of tube 20. This variation will cause a change in the plate current of section |00. 'I'his will reflect itself in a varying voltage drop across plate resistance ||0. Condenser ||2 will serve to couple a portion of the energy of the plate circuit of section |00 onto grid |20 of section |02. Thus, the gain developed across tube |8 and section |00 will result in the application Iof a considerably amplified potential to the grid of section |02.-

When high gain tubes are employed in the amplifier circuit as shown, a relatively small input into tube i8 will result in" a very wide grid voltage swing with respect to section |02 of tube 20. This variation is so great that on the positive portion of the input cycle, the grid voltage of tube |02 will be such that said section |02 will have its plate current reach the saturation level.

It is important to notice that the components' of the circuit are adjusted in a manner well-y known to the art whereby when sound of a given amplitude strikes the microphone 66 that this saturation condition will occur in the plate circuit oi section |02. It is manifest that when sounds of greater amplitude than that aforementioned strike microphone 60, that there cannot result a greater increase in the ilow of current through section |02. Thus, it is seen that section |02 serves to act as a limiter, and that when its v grid voltage reaches a certain value there will be no further change in the plate current of the tube.

To accomplish this manner-of operation, it is generally desirable that section |02 be operated at zero bias but it is quite feasible by using various other tubes having different characteristics to A alter the circuit components whereby to achieve tude and a different frequency. Also, non-stand-A ard articles having no separation cracks will produce signals of an amplitude corresponding to that produced by the standard article but of a different frequency. The action Vof the limiter is to prevent a non-standard article from overloading the input portion of the detector and causing it to respond to a spurious signal, thus, if a non-standard 'article were projected with considerable force, the input level into the detector would be held at such value that the detector would be capable of discriminating be-v tween the spurious and standard signal.

` In the case of an article. having a separation crack therein, the amplitude ofeyibration is ordinarily such that the Vlimiter will not be driven to y -saturation point, even when the article is projected with considerable force, and therefore, an input level will not be obtained which will be strong enough to operate .the detectors. In the case of a standard article the gain through the amplifiers in the operation of the limiter is adjusted to a point whereby the projection of a standard article against the anvil with moderate force, or greater, will result in the production of a signal sufciently strong to operate the detector units. Thus, it is seen that the use of the limiter section as explained, serves to establish a definite input voltage into the detector units and prevents overloading the same. This manner of operation also serves to eliminate to a great degree spurious responses which might be occasioned by shock voltages supplied to-the microphone. The action of the limiter will be to prevent these shock voltages from overloading the detector and therefore, response to such a be prevented.

The output of the limiter section loz is coupied by means of condensers |32, |36 and |38 into the `detectorunits 22l and 24. Only a small portion of the output of limiter |22 is used to operate the said detector units and to achieve objective, load resistor |34 having a very small resistance, is placed across the output of plate coupling condenser |32.

When a signal is placed upon the grid of tube |80, a certain amount of amplication will occur in this tube. 'I'he output of the plate circuit of tube is coupled through condenser |06 onto grid |98 of tube 200. This tube serves to further amplify the signal and Serves to isolate the plate circuit of tube |80 from other portions of the de- `tector circuit. A signal input into tube 200 will result in the production of a varying voltage across potentiometer 2|2.l The phase relation of the voltage across resistance 2I2 is such that if this voltage is shifted an additional the same will be in phase `with the voltage upon grid |18' of tube |80. In orderto achieve an additional voltage shifty of 180, network 220 is employed. Network 220 is a tuned network and will produce a voltage shift of 180 only when a voltage having af frequency. tuned to that of the network is supplied .to .the network. Potentiometer 2|2 is adjusted whereby the feed-back voltage under ordinary conditions supplied to grid |18 will be slightly less than that required to produce oscilv lation in the detector circuit. When a signal having a proper frequency is supplied to the detector circuit, re-generation will take place .since the network will pass the current produced in the plate circuit of tube 200 by the predetermined freduency. Oscillation in this detector circuit will result in a substantially large output voltage being lproduced across condenser 242. The output of vcondenser 242 is coupled into the input of the relay sections 29| and 25|.

It is, of course, understood that where 4sepspurious signal will This lowered bias voltage will permit a plate eurrent to flow in these relay tubes during the portion of the alternating current cycle when their plates are positively charged. This increased current will cause relays 282 and bisv respectively, to be drawn down and operate the signal means as hereinbefore described.

Thus, if the requisite frequencies produced by standard articles are present in the output of the limiter section |102, detectors 22 and 24 will cause their respective relay sections 29| and 25| to operate. If only one frequency is present, only one relay section will be caused to operate and this operation will be indicated by means of a signal light as aforesaid. It is thus possible to determine by detecting certain frequencies, whether or not articles are correspondingly similar.

In some cases it has been found that much better discrimination is obtained when the harmonic or harmonics of the various signals produced by dierent articles are employed instead of the fundamental frequencies. It is, of course, easily possible to tune the detector units in such a manner that they will be operated by the harmonies produced by the article instead of the fundamental frequency. In many instances Where this is done, improved performance will result.

There are a number of ways of using the instrument shown herein to accomplish the pur- Doses of invention as heretofore stated. One method comprises setting a known standard article in free vibratory motion and measuring the frequency thereof, and then setting another article to be tested in vibratory motion and measuring its frequency. This may be accomplished by means of knobs 450 and indicating plates 452.

Knobs 450 are attached to variable condensers 228, 23d and 232 of each unit and the dial plates serve as a means of Calibrating the positions of the various knobs in terms of the frequency response of the detector units. Thus, in testing, the knobs are turned until maximum response of the detector is indicated by one of the lights 34 or 36, depending upon which detector unit is being used for the particular frequency being checked. The setting of the knob for this response is then noted and an article to be compared with the iirst or standard article is then dropped and the knobs set whereby the detector will give maximum respouse to to the second article. A comparison of the two settings serves to indicate the physical deviation between the two articles.

It is, of course. apparent that where articles are being tested having more than one frequency, that the frequency detectors may each be ad- Justed as aforesaid. When this is done, each frequency is compared with the respective frequency produced by the article being checked and in this way, the two articles may be compared. If all of the knobs or condensers 228, 280 and 232 are adjusted, a wider range of frequencies may be covered than if one knob is adJusted at the time. The needs of the user will. of course. determine the number of condensers that it is desirable to havevadjustable in the manner as aforesaid.

Knobs 454 and 455 on the front panel of the instrument are used to vary potentiometers 284 and 800. These knobs are provided with dial plates 458 and 48| by which the sensitivity of the amplifier sections may be calibrated. By the adjustment of these knobs it is possible to set anampliiier section for response to a pre- 'determined input voltage, thus the relative ama 20 mm. high 'explosive projectile.

plitude of variations of two pieces may be compared by noting the different positions of the knobs on the scale when the pieces are separately tested. The difference in setting indicates the difference in the amplitudes of vibration of the articles being tested. By adjusting both the variable condensers `228, 230 and 232 and potentiometers 264 and 300 at different times, it is possible to determine both the frequency and amplitude of variation of any particular piece.

In testing for amplitude of vibration, lights 3ft and 36 are used to indicate peak response. This is possible since relays and 32 pull in at certain definite values and the output of the various com ponents of the testing unit may be adjusted sc that these relays will be actuated when the unit is set to respond to a predetermined frequency and amplitude.

Where an article has more than one frequency of vibration, the amplitude of the several frequencies may be determined by adjusting both knobs 458 and 460.

Where a great many of the same kind of article is being tested, the most desirable manner of operation is to tune the instrument for response to a fixed frequency band or bands of frequencies having a iixed amplitude or amplitudes. Thus, whena standard article is tested the instrument is adjusted to a predetermined band width for the particular article, and the lights, in flashing, will indicate that the Idetector and relay units have been set in operation by a signal of a predetermined frequency and amplitude. Where a non-standard article is employed, the unit will not respond thereto and as a consequence, the lights on the panel will not be illuminated. Il response is had to only one frequency produced by an article being tested, only one light will be illuminated, indicating that the article being tested conforms to the standard article in one particular, but in theother particular is different therefrom. As heretofore explained, the circuit is arranged so that master light 64 will also be illuminated when the instrument is responding to all test frequencies. The band width may be narrowed by increasing the size of condensers 228, 220 and 232 with respect to resistors 222, 224 and 226 respectively, or by increasing the size of the resistors with respect to the condensers the band width may be broadened.

The articles being tested may be dropped in such manner that all the frequencies are simultaneously produced, and if this is done, the instrument will indicate a total response. In some cases, however, it is desirable to produce nrst one frequency and then another frequency subsequent thereto. When this is done, a time delay circuit, which comprises condenser 248 and resistor 258 in relay section 28|, and condenser 288 and resistor 294 in relay section 25|, will serve to keep the first indicator light burning long enough for a test to be made to determine re sponse to a second frequency. Thus, if all frequencies are present, .the indicator lights will stay on long enough so that all of the lights will be illuminated at a single time.

Fig. 7 shows a number of articles. the tlrst being In testing this article. the projectile 48| is dropped ilrst upon its lower end and subquently upon its side near the upper end thereof. It is desirable 4to drop the projectile in Athis manner since it avoids damage to the copper band 482. Shell case 455 is also excited in this manner. Various shapes of the different articles being tested will of necessity, determine the manner of excitation.

Fig. shows-a microphone which is `comprised of a crystal element 402 which is supported within a cloth, mesh sack 404. The crystal is disposed a small distance from the rear of microphone l1. The microphone is connected by means of pins 406, 400 to points 4|0 and 4i2. It is very desirable that the crystal type of microphone shown be employed since the crystal is designed to be resonant to the particular frequencies to be is provided with slots 428 which will each ac-' commodate one of the articles to be tested.

Selector 426 is rotated by means of knob 430 and the operation thereof will cause articles 420 to be dropped one at a time into' chute 422. Chute 422 is provided with an angular side 432 which serves to direct the articles being tested downwardly. When these articles are projected from mouth 434, they fall in a vertical direction and with a uniform speed toward anvil 60.

With reference to Fig. 6, a mechanism is shown which comprises a shield 436 which encloses therein a coil 438. This coil is mounted between knife edges 440 and 442. An article to be tested is inserted in the coil through opening 444 in the housing 436. The article is positioned so that it is supported by the knife edges 442 and 440 at its nodal points of vibration. These nodal points may be determinedpragmatically by experimentally-moving the knife edges until the best response is obtained. However, a stroboscope may be used to ascertain the nodal points ofa particular-.article being tested and the article being tested positioned accordingly.

At one end of shield 43B is a perforated opening 440'. When a 4current having a frequency corresponding to the natural frequency of the article being tested is impressed on coil 438, the article being tested will vibrate. These-vibrations are in turn picked up by microphone i1 which is connected to the preamplifier. Shield 430 serves to prevent currents from being induced into the microphone circuit.

Fig. '7 shows a number of different articles which may be successfully selected by the apparatus shown. Article 45| is a representation of a 20 mm. high explosive projectile. This projectileis hollow having varying wall thicknesses and is surrounded at the bottom with a copper band 462. This particular article has two very distinct frequencies which may be caused tejorlsl nate either simultaneously or separately, depending upon the manner in which the projectile isl dropped upon the anvil.. The degree oi seating of the band also inuences the vibratory frequencies of this projectile, and hence, the physi-l cal characteristics of the entire composite unit may be tested in a single operation by the apparatus shown. 1 l

Object 453 is a 20 mm. armor piercing projectile which has one predominate frequency and a number of harmonics. Since it too is a ccmpositie, the-relationship of the elements and the Physical characteristics of the whole may bev tested in the manner as aforesaid.

Article 455 is a representation ofv a 30 caliber cartridge case. This case is a composite, being made up of several different elements. Measurement has shown that this particular case has a larger number of variable frequencies and each of them may be utilized to indicate the existence of a' defect in a particular portion of the cartridge case. It has been found by'examination that parts of the case vibrate at specific frequencies and hence, the variation of a particular frequency will indicate a physical Avariance of the particular part of the Acartridge case with which it is associated. l

Article 459 is a perishable tool and has primarilyone basic frequency and a number of harmonics. l I

Artic1es 46| and 403 are bolts having Slightly different physical characteristics. Bolt 463 is slightly shorter and the apparatus disclosed herein may be used to sort bolts of slightly different size since the size will alter thevibration .characteristics of the bolts.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as'new and desired to be secured' by Letters Patent is:

v1. The method of selecting standard articles from a group which comprises projecting a standard piece against an anvil to produce free vibration in the piece, measuring the. natural and one overtone frequency of vibration produced therein, then projecting a piece to'be tested against the anvil and measuring the natural and the same overtone frequency of vibration produced therein, and comparing the respective vibrations vof the two pieces.

` 2. 'The method of selecting standard articles from a grourp which comprises projecting a standard piece against an anvil to produce free vibration in the piece, measuring the natural and one overtone frequency of vibration produced therein, then projecting a piece to be tested against the anvil and measuring .the natural and the free vibrations therein, measuring'the frequency and amplitude of the natural and the same overtone frequency of vibration of said piece being tested, and comparing the respective vibrations of the two pieces. l

4. 'I'he method of selecting standard articles from a group which comprises .projecting a standard piece against an anvil to produce free vibrations in the piece, simultaneously measuring the frequency and amplitude of vibration of the natural and one overtonefrequency ofvibrationwithf in the piece, then projecting a piece to be'tested with approximately equal force againstthe anvil v to produce free vibrations therein, measuring the frequency and amplitude of the naaral and the same overtone frequency' or vibration of said piece being tested, and the respective vibrations of the two pieces.

5. The method of selecting standard articles from a group which comprises projecting a. standard piece against an anvil to produce free vibrations in the piece, simultaneously measuring the frequency and amplitude of vibration of the natural and one overtone frequency of vibration within the piece, then projecting a piece to be tested-with approximately equal force against the anvil to produce free vibrations therein, simultaneously measuring the frequency and amplitude of the natural and the same overtone frequency of vibration of said piece being tested and comparing the respective vibrations of the two pieces.

BOLEY A. ANDALIKIIEWICZ. 

